Odd

Prayers are odd. I have noticed that prayer does not seem to be a part of our life unless we are reduced to having no control or when we have no idea where to go next. Conversely, if we are intent on doing whatever it is, we skip God altogether (or give God a passing nod) and do what we want. If it pans out, we seldom return to our knees to thank God. Prayer is viewed as commerce.

 

By commerce, I mean this. We call in a plumber when we are over our heads in water (or worse.) We call in a lawyer when we get into trouble. We consult a horoscope if we are unsure what to do next. We call on God when the end of our rope is in sight. It's a transaction. Call in the expert and pay what is necessary.

 

Only God sends no bill. It slips our mind to pay up or even say, "Thanks." In fact, "paid in full" is stamped on the life of his crucified Son. God wants us. The one thing he will not force is love. Yet he is the one who has nothing less than a total commitment to us, even when we ignore him. No matter what.

 

Prayer is not an event. It is a lifestyle. A lifestyle of communion, not with an advisor who is on retainer, but with our Lord and Savior. Open your relationship to life Himself through a daily time with Christ.